Cinemas have been charming us with their crackly screens and red velvet recliners since time immemorial. I can’t remember a time when cinemas didn’t excite me. However, I’ve got no time for the picture houses where ‘comfy sofas’ have replaced flip-down chairs, cocktails have shunted buckets of Coke and mixed olives have substituted popcorn. In fact, I miss the days when you could buy your ice cream from somebody stood at the front and every screen had a set of curtains that drew back before the ‘feature presentation’. Anyway, I digress. Here are five of London’s best… Yippee-ki-yay Kimosabe!
Riverside Studios
If you’re not from Hammersmith then journeying to the Riverside Studios might seem like a bit of a drag, however, if you make the trip then good things await you. Screening recent, if not brand new releases, whoever curates each season allows film fans to enjoy the obscure alongside the indie ‘blockbuster’. Single bills generally play during the day and double bills start from 6.30pm. If you ever wish your life were a little more ‘Hollywood’, then four hours submerged in here is just the tonic. Look out for The Sweet Smell of Success, followed by Margin Call this Sunday.
Prince Charles Cinema
The Prince Charles also harbors a soft spot for the double-bill, although you’re much more likely to stumble on a couple of slasher flicks paired together than an art house duet. The website has a quote from Tarantino calling it his ‘favourite UK Grindhouse’ and that’s pretty much exactly what it is. Classic movies, sing-alongs, quote-alongs, Q&As and cheap tickets all play their part in making it central London’s most exciting cinema. A Dirty Dancing/Flashdance double bill comes February 13th!
The Coronet
Dating back to 1898, Notting Hill’s, Coronet, is an oldie but goldie. First a Victorian theatre and then a cinema – it’s taken a punishing throughout the years what with popcorn and whatever Victorian theatre audiences would nonchalantly stomp into the carpet. Two screens with tiered seating and a no frills charm. Say what you want about its need of a refurb but I’ll only throw the phrase ‘tatty finesse’ back in your face – along with a load of peanut M&Ms. It’s cheap too!
The Rio
If you’re the type of person who never lets a trek east get in the way of an architecturally extreme cinema experience, then choose the Rio in Dalston. Both the art deco interior and exterior have remained largely intact since they were purpose built in the early 1900’s. ‘They don’t make ‘em like this anymore’. Indeed they don’t, and you won’t find a double bill for £9 on a Sunday in many places either. Programming consists of art house, indie, cult and classic matinees along with new releases and hip events.
Hackney Picturehouse
As with everything in life, there comes a time when you have to grow up and abandon your beliefs in the name of change. I know this because my Mum told me so. It’s out with the old and in with the future. Hackney Picturehouse will win over the staunchest believer in classic cinemas. Its state of the art seats are upholstered in a deluxe toweling, which renders the warmth of a partner unnecessary. It’s soft, comforting and it never gets clammy. Then there are the screens (massive), the drinks (bucket of Coke or beer) and the food (high-end chocolate raisins). It’s the best thing since ice cream.
And an honourable mention goes to The Curzon...
